Can I use wallpaper in a bathroom? (Bathroom | General Bathroom Renovation)

When renovating a bathroom, many Sydney homeowners ask: “Can I use wallpaper in a bathroom?” The answer is yes—but it requires careful selection, preparation, and installation to ensure it withstands humidity, moisture, and daily wear. With the right approach, wallpaper can add texture, pattern, and a unique design statement that paint alone cannot achieve.

At MB9 Australia Pty Ltd, we help homeowners across Sydney—from Surry Hills apartments to heritage terraces in Paddington and Balmain, and modern townhouses in Mosman and North Shore—incorporate wallpaper, paint, tiles, and other design elements to create stunning, practical, and long-lasting bathrooms.

Why Consider Wallpaper in a Bathroom?

Wallpaper in bathrooms offers several advantages over traditional paint:

• Visual impact: Wallpapers provide patterns, textures, and colours that paint can’t replicate, allowing homeowners to make a bold design statement.

• Personalisation: From tropical prints to geometric motifs, wallpaper allows you to reflect your personality or complement your home’s interior style.

• Complement to tiles: Wallpaper can be paired with tiles, vanities, and mirrors to create a layered, cohesive aesthetic.

• Feature walls: Perfect for accent walls behind vanities or freestanding baths, creating a focal point in your bathroom.

In Sydney, wallpaper is increasingly popular in Balmain and Paddington terraces, where homeowners want to combine heritage features with modern design trends, and in Surry Hills or Darlinghurst apartments, where creative use of pattern maximises small spaces.

Choosing the Right Wallpaper for a Bathroom

Not all wallpaper is suitable for bathrooms, where moisture and humidity are constant challenges. Here’s what to look for:

1. Moisture-Resistant Wallpaper

• Vinyl-coated or vinyl wallpapers are ideal because they repel water and resist humidity.

• Non-woven wallpapers are also a popular option; they are breathable, durable, and easier to install and remove.

2. Avoid Traditional Paper Wallpaper

• Standard paper wallpaper absorbs moisture, can peel, and may encourage mould growth.

• Particularly risky for bathrooms in older Paddington or Balmain homes, where ventilation may be limited.

3. Surface Preparation

• Walls should be smooth, clean, and primed with a moisture-resistant sealant.

• Uneven surfaces can cause bubbles or premature peeling, so preparation is key for long-lasting results.

Best Locations for Wallpaper in a Bathroom

While full-wall wallpapering is possible, strategic placement improves both aesthetics and durability:

1. Feature Walls

• Behind the vanity, freestanding bath, or toilet.

• Creates a striking visual focus without exposing all surfaces to water.

• Works well in Surry Hills or Darlinghurst apartments where small bathrooms benefit from bold design choices.

2. Protected Zones

• Away from direct shower spray or splash zones.

• Complement with glass shower screens or splashbacks to protect wallpapered walls.

3. Accent Areas

• Ceilings or panels above vanities can be creatively wallpapered.

• This approach is ideal in heritage terraces in Balmain or Paddington, where high ceilings offer design opportunities.

Installation Tips for Longevity

1. Seal Walls First: Apply a water-resistant primer or sealant to protect against moisture.

2. Use Quality Adhesive: Ensure the wallpaper adhesive is suitable for vinyl or non-woven wallpapers.

3. Professional Installation: For patterned wallpapers or high-traffic areas, consider hiring professionals to ensure a smooth, bubble-free finish.

4. Edge Protection: Use moulding, trim, or silicone sealant at junctions near water sources to prevent peeling.

MB9 Australia Pty Ltd has extensive experience helping Sydney homeowners integrate wallpaper with tiles, mirrors, and cabinetry to create cohesive, long-lasting bathroom designs.

Complementary Design Ideas

Wallpaper works beautifully in combination with other bathroom renovation features:

• Tiles: Pair textured wallpaper with plain tiles for contrast.

• Paint: Use moisture-resistant paint on remaining walls for durability.

• Lighting: Highlight wallpaper patterns with strategically placed downlights or sconces.

• Fixtures: Choose vanities, mirrors, and towel rails that complement the wallpaper pattern or colour palette.

For example, a North Shore master ensuite may feature a bold geometric wallpaper accent wall behind a freestanding bath, paired with subtle stone tiles and brass fixtures for a sophisticated look.

Common Concerns and How to Address Them

1. Peeling or Bubbling

• Ensure walls are smooth, primed, and dry.

• Keep wallpaper away from direct shower spray unless vinyl or moisture-resistant.

2. Mould Growth

• Choose moisture-resistant wallpaper.

• Maintain good bathroom ventilation with exhaust fans, particularly in Balmain terraces or Surry Hills apartments with limited airflow.

3. Longevity

• High-quality, professionally installed vinyl or non-woven wallpaper can last up to 10 years.

• Feature walls often age better than wallpaper covering all walls, as they are less exposed to constant moisture.

Benefits of Wallpaper in a Bathroom Renovation

1. Unique Style: Create a bathroom that stands out with patterns, textures, and colours.

2. Cost-Effective Upgrade: Wallpaper can dramatically transform a space without expensive tiling or full wall treatments.

3. Easy to Change: Non-woven or vinyl wallpapers can be replaced or updated with trends or personal preference.

4. Versatile Design Tool: Works in small apartments, heritage homes, and modern townhouses alike.

5. Enhanced Property Value: A well-designed bathroom with unique features like wallpaper can increase appeal in competitive Sydney markets such as Mosman, Paddington, or Surry Hills.

MB9’s Expertise in Wallpaper and Bathroom Renovations

At MB9 Australia Pty Ltd, we help homeowners across Sydney incorporate wallpaper into bathroom renovations safely and stylishly:

• We assess walls for moisture, surface preparation, and layout suitability.

• We recommend the most suitable moisture-resistant wallpaper types for your space.

• We integrate wallpaper with tiles, vanities, mirrors, and lighting for a cohesive design.

• We install wallpaper professionally to ensure longevity and durability in apartments, heritage terraces, and modern townhouses across Sydney.

Whether it’s a bold feature wall in a Surry Hills apartment, a contemporary ensuite in Mosman, or a statement ceiling in a Paddington terrace, MB9 delivers bathrooms that are both functional and visually striking.

Tips for Homeowners Considering Bathroom Wallpaper

1. Choose moisture-resistant wallpaper like vinyl or non-woven options.

2. Limit wallpaper to feature walls or protected areas for durability.

3. Prepare surfaces carefully with smoothing and priming.

4. Hire professional installation for large or patterned wallpapers.

5. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent peeling and mould.

By following these guidelines, Sydney homeowners can enjoy the luxury and creativity of wallpaper while avoiding common pitfalls associated with bathroom humidity.

Conclusion

Yes—you can use wallpaper in a bathroom, but careful selection, preparation, and professional installation are essential for a long-lasting, stylish result. Feature walls, protected areas, and moisture-resistant wallpapers allow homeowners to combine creativity with durability, creating bathrooms that are both practical and visually stunning.

From Surry Hills apartments to heritage terraces in Paddington and Balmain, and modern townhouses in Mosman and North Shore, MB9 Australia Pty Ltd helps Sydney homeowners incorporate wallpaper into bathroom renovations safely and effectively.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.